Skip to content

Special Education, MS: Career Outlook

Meet the Needs of Students With Disabilities

Special education teachers work with elementary to high school students with a range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities.1

Our graduates are recognized for their knowledge of evidence-based practices, substantial expertise in various disability categories and rich repertoire of working with students in inclusive settings.

By earning a master's in special education, you can set yourself apart from others in the field, gaining skills to teach children with a diverse number of disabilities. Our program will give you the credentials to work with children of all ages, as well as the opportunities to sit in requisite certification tests, which are mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The median annual wage for special education teachers nationwide in May 2022 was $62,950.1

Roughly 33,500 openings for special education teachers are projected each year, on average, through 2032.1

School enrollment and the need for special education services will drive the demand for special education teachers. As children with disabilities are identified earlier and enrolled in special education programs, the need for teachers will continue.1
Our master's in special education will prepare you to work with diverse student populations through an inclusive approach to teaching that also values ongoing learning and scholarship. It’s ideal for those seeking an opportunity in both a classroom setting or in a leadership role in a school district.

special education teacher:

$62,950/year

As a special education teacher, you will assess student skills and determine their needs, develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for each student, implement and update IEPs, and prepare and help students as they transition from grade level to grade level. Special education teachers work with general education teachers, specialists, administrators, and parents, while specific duties depend on their students’ disabilities.1

Elementary School Teacher:

$61,620/year

Elementary school teachers instruct young students in basic subjects, including reading and math, to prepare them for middle school. They evaluate their students' abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and may instruct an entire class or smaller groups of children. They help students understand abstract concepts, solve problems, and develop critical thinking skills.2

Additional roles for people with a master’s in special education include:

  • High school teacher
  • Middle school teacher
  • Instructional coordinator

Request More Information

Whether you’re curious about The University of Scranton’s application process, admissions requirements, tuition and financial aid or specific program details, we’re here to help.

Complete this form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Loading...

Program Outcomes:

When you complete this program, you’ll be able to:
Deploy inclusionary classroom practices
Assess students' cognitive psychomotor and affective development
Use assistive technology and create technology-enhanced lessons
Create classroom environments that support learning for all students

Scranton Career Support

Whether you’re just starting out or advancing in your field, The Roche Family Center for Career Development is here to support you.

Both before and after you graduate, our experienced advisors can help you build your career and find opportunities that suit your unique skills and talents.

Let’s work together to ensure your success. We can’t wait to get to know you.

Global Network

Join a network of more than 45,000 accomplished Scranton alumni, who live across the nation and in more than 20 countries around the world.

Vault

Take advantage of Vault, a comprehensive resource for all career planning purposes.

Job Search Advice

Receive help with your résumé, cover letter, or online profile, and practice meeting with potential employers using Big Interview, an online interview preparation tool.

Handshake

Get exclusive access to Handshake, our online recruiting platform, and connect with new jobs, career fairs, recruitment activities, skill-building workshops, and more.

Sources:

  1.  Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education Teachers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/special-education-teachers.htm (visited Sept. 6, 2023).
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers,
    at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm (visited Feb. 24, 2024).
  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, High School Teachers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm (visited Sept. 6, 2023).
  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Middle School Teachers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/middle-school-teachers.htm (visited Sept. 6, 2023).